Monthly Archives: November 2016

I enjoy the changing seasons, the fresh crisp air and colors of fall, but when November comes around, I turn most of my focus to preparing for the big Thanksgiving dinner. I will be entertaining 18 friends and relatives this year. Weeks ahead I prepare or purchase my table decorations. These are some of my table decor creations.

I got the idea to make this at a garden store I visited. At first glance, it looked like the pumpkin would have to be scooped out and filled, but when asked, I was told everything was glued to the top. I thought I’d give it a try.

You too might like to make this centerpiece. Here’s how it’s done.

You will need:

a pumpkin or decorative squash

a few different sized succulent plants (Select plants with different shaped leaves and in a variety of hues.)

a small package of green reindeer moss or Spanish moss

a hot glue gun

First cut off the stem of the pumpkin or squash close to the skin. Then glue a layer of moss to the pumpkin.

Select the largest succulent and apply that first. Cut the stem 1/4 to a 1/2 inch from the base of the plant and glue it to the pumpkin through the moss. Fill in the top with the smaller succulents or cuttings from larger plants. You can add moss to the outside edges for a finishing touch.

The arrangement will last quite a while, it just needs a spritz of water a couple of times a week. They make great hostess gifts!

I enjoy decorating. It lifts my mood when I spread holiday cheer. Yet, the holidays can be the loneliest and most stressful time of the year for some people. I am holding a heaviness in my heart. My husband, daughter and I made a bittersweet trip to Pennsylvania to visit our brother law, Umberto, in the hospital. He went into the hospital for what was supposed to be a relatively minor cancer treatment and he hasn’t come out. My sister, Alane, will spend her holidays in the hospital by his side. It breaks my heart.

Happy Birthday Mom?

It was also my mom’s birthday while we were visiting. She wouldn’t let us sing “Happy Birthday” to her because of Umberto being so sick. “It’s not happy”, she said.

This is a tough one for the whole family. There is little we can do but rely on God’s grace to get us through this difficult time. We’re very fortunate to have each other to lean on. That is something to be thankful for and to smile about. God is able. We are all praying.

I am reminded once again to be nice to everyone I meet because they are also carrying a heavy burden that I know nothing about.

Dealing with Holiday ‘Blues’
“You can improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays. Eat a healthy diet, and maintain a regular sleep pattern and exercise program. According to the kept Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as little as 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate mood boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication. Joining a support group where you talk to people with similar experiences to yours can also help.” ¹

Sometimes these things aren’t enough and medication is necessary for a time. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad for long periods. They can refer you to a mental health specialist. Explore every option. Getting your joy back is worth fighting for.